FLOODING brought on by climate change, which is expected to get worse, has seen home insurance soar by up to 300%in Pwllheli.

During last week’s meeting of Porthmadog Town Council, Gwynedd Council officers outlined the authority’s plan to cope with the expected sea level rises over the next few decades, following last year’s flooding issues.

The Shoreline Management Plan 2 (SMP 2) was adopted by the Gwynedd Council Cabinet last year, enabling the authority to apply for grant funding towards coast protection works.

Mr Williams said: “Climate change will affect everyone in Gwynedd, especially those living in residential areas on the coast.

“Sea levels are set to rise up to a metre over the next 100 years, which will obviously have a far reaching effect for our communities. We're looking at periods of 20 years, then 50, then 100 years.

“For many people it might be difficult to think ahead over 50 or even 100 years, and some may say ‘how will if affect me’.

“But we can look ahead to what might happen in 20 years more easily. The bottom line is we must start preparing now.”

Mr Guthrie added: “The intention of the Shoreline Management Plan is to hold the line as best we can.

“There are some areas which will be more badly affected than others, while some may already be below the tide levels.

“We envisage that Morfa Bychan could be at risk over the coming years, also Borth-y-Gest and especially the road leading up to the village.

“It will be up to the community to help come up with a solution to some of these problems and how we proceed.”

Mr Guthrie added that managed realignment may be an option, meaning that coastal protection could be removed from some areas in order to protect others – acting as a buffer zone.

Mr Williams concluded: “The aim is to encourage debate in these communities on the issue, as we must act before it’s too late.”

Two days after the Porthmadog meeting, neighbouring town council Pwllheli brought up the issue in their monthly meeting. Councillors heard that some residents had seen a severe hike in their home insurance premiums since last year’s flooding issues in the area.

Cllr Michael Sol Owen said that some residents living near the promenade had seen their insurance premiums rise by 300% in some cases.

Concerns were also raised that some living in high-risk areas may not be able to obtain insurance at all from next year on.

This is due to the agreement between the Westminster Government and the Association of British Insurers agreement covering flood-risk properties coming to an end in July.

Thus far there is no replacement agreement.

Cllr Owen added: “These households haven’t just seen their premiums sharply rise but also the excess, which I know is a worry for many.”